On mixdown as well as during recording, the output level of each audio channel is controlled in two ways: with the faders in the VST Channel Mixer and with the Dynamic Volume Events in the Audio Editor.
In the VST Channel Mixer, each audio channel has a fader for volume control. You can also use the Mute and Solo buttons to silence one or several audio channels. The faders in the VST Master Mixer determine the final output level of the stereo mix (you may also route an audio channel via a Group channel - see page 462).
• The fader settings are displayed numerically below the faders.
The VST Channel Mixer allows you to boost weak signals by +6 dB, if you like. Just be sure to avoid signal levels above 0 dB (clipping).
• Faders for stereo pairs (both for regular audio channels, Groups and Buses) normally move together (move one and the other follows), but if you hold down [Alt] you can change either independently.
For mono faders, the inverse is true. Hold down [Alt] while moving a fader, to simultaneously control the other fader in an odd-even pair.• To hear only the audio playback, click on the MIDI Mute button to the left in the VST Channel Mixer.
This mutes all MIDI playback, letting you concentrate on mixing the audio.
• The volume fader for an audio channel is “mirrored” in the Inspector. Volume changes in the Inspector are reflected in the VST Channel Mixer, and vice versa. Please note that for stereo Audio Tracks, only the left channel volume is displayed in the Inspector.
You can use the Channel, Group and Master faders to set up a volume balance between the audio channels and perform a manual mix, by moving the faders and other controls while playing back. By using the Write function (described on page 472), you can automate the fader movements and other VST Channel Mixer actions.
• It is also possible to use a Remote MIDI Device to control volume and other VST settings (see the chapter “Remote Controlling VST Objects”).As described in the Audio Editor chapter, you can create a Volume curve for each Audio Event, and thereby get automatic volume changes. The Volume values created by this curve are added to the volume fader values in the VST Channel Mixer, so you can combine the two ways of automating and controlling volume. The properties and differences of the two methods are discussed on page 472.